Original Napoleonic Style Belgian Flintlock Sea Service Pistol with Liège Proof Mark Under Barrel - circa 1820

Original Item: One of a Kind. Belgium as we know it today was only established in 1830, when the population rebelled against Dutch rule. Prior to that, most of the country had been known as Flanders and other local areas, which were possessions of Spain, France and Holland over the prior several hundreds of years. Belgium would become an Industrial powerhouse, with its great capacity coming from the City of Liège, where gun making was a key industry. They would end up supplying Military Weapons all over Europe, especially after 1832 once it had established its own government.

This specific type of Naval or Sea Service Flintlock Pistol was manufactured in Belgium, which was under Napoleon Bonaparte's control until 1814. Most that we have seen were issued to the Dutch / Batavian Navy, which was part of Napoleon's forces, however production continued after the battle of Waterloo in 1815 and into the 1830's.

We often see these with various different markings on the lock plate or barrel, indicating where they were used. One of these would be "CROWN over DN", indicating "Delft Nederlandse", indicating it was processed at arsenal in the Netherlands before being dispersed into service. This example has a CROWN / W on the lock plate and a CROWN / B on the breech end of the barrel. The former could be for William I of the Netherlands, who was crowned shortly before the battle of Waterloo, when the Kingdom was officially created. We did check UNDER the barrel, and it is marked with an E / L G / * in an Oval proof, indicating manufacture in Liège, Belgium. There is a 67 stamped under the tang, as well as some other markings. Definitely some nice research potential here!

There is no provision for ramrod, the mounts are all of brass and the grade of manufacture is really quite high. Probably one of the most encountered original flintlock martial pistols from Europe encountered to day. The pistol is fitted with a 9" barrel that has a bore of about 0.69", bearing the correct proofs of the era. Its overall length is about 15 1/2" and it has a large lanyard ring on the bottom of the brass mounted butt cap. Overall condition is really quite nice, and the brass fittings have a lovely mellow patina. We checked the lock, and it is fully functional, holding at half cock and firing at full.

The stock does show wear overall from service, with small scratches and dents, but there are no structural cracks or other damage that we can see. There are some cracks on the front right near the nose cap, as well as what look to be some past repairs. There are some simple designs scratched into the wood.

A great European Naval flintlock pistol, fully cleaned and ready to display!

Specifications:

Year of Manufacture: circa 1820
Caliber: .69" Pistol
Ammunition Type: Lead Ball & Powder
Barrel Length: 9 Inches
Overall Length: 15 1/2 Inches
Action: Flintlock
Feed System: Muzzle-Loaded

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